The Detroit Lions made significant moves to strengthen their cornerback position in the 2024 NFL offseason. They signed Amik Robertson to a two-year deal, traded for Carlton Davis from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and used their top two draft picks to select corners Terrion Arnold from Alabama and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. from Missouri.
Despite these investments, the Lions are once again faced with the need to improve at the position in the 2025 offseason. With Davis’ contract expiring and neither of the rookie corners proving to be reliable options, the Lions are left searching for a solution.
In a piece highlighting one free agent for each team to target, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani suggested that the Lions consider pursuing Paulson Adebo, a cornerback for the New Orleans Saints. Adebo has not garnered the same attention as other top free-agent corners like Davis or the Jets’ D.J. Reed, but he could be a valuable asset. Although he played only seven games in 2024 due to a broken femur, Adebo was having an impressive season before the injury. In those seven games, he registered 52 tackles, three interceptions, and 10 passes defended. In 2023, he accumulated 76 tackles, four interceptions, and 18 pass breakups. Adebo also limited opposing quarterbacks to a 55% completion rate that season. His ability to contribute both in coverage and as a tackler would make him a strong fit for the Lions, and his injury might even result in him being available at a more affordable price than expected.
